The founders
Spencer West was founded in 2014 when City of London lawyers Simeon Spencer and Antoine West found themselves on opposite sides of a transaction. The entrepreneurial pair discovered a shared set of values and a vision for how a traditional law firm could evolve to offer more, not just for its clients, but for its lawyers as well. What followed has led to Spencer West developing as a leading City of London, UK-wide and international law firm operating in the fee-sharing space, with a strong sense of community, valuing collaboration at its heart, with an entrepreneurial soul and a continued drive towards excellence.
Forming Spencer West LLP
In 2014, Simeon Spencer and Antoine West found themselves on opposite sides of a corporate transaction but quickly realised they shared a common vision. Both driven by a corporate international background and entrepreneurial spirit, they envisioned a more flexible and client-focused approach to legal practice. This partnership, grounded in shared values, marked the beginning of Spencer West’s unique journey.
By 2016, after two years of fruitful collaboration, Antoine formally merged his practice with Simeon’s firm. Together, they set out to build a law firm that prioritised technical excellence, a commitment to collaboration, and a business-minded approach.
Community of Talent
In 2018, Spencer West had become a successful two-partner City law firm with a strong ethos and a growing and loyal client base. Recognising the potential for further expansion, Simeon and Antoine embraced a modified fee-sharing model that blended traditional and modern law practices. This strategic move laid the foundation for attracting top legal talent who were collegiate, business minded people, and who shared their commitment to flexibility and excellence. This approach proved a strong draw to numerous talented lawyers, and by summer 2019 Spencer West had grown to 15 partners.
The global pandemic of 2020–2021 marked a pivotal moment for the firm. Many senior lawyers began to rethink how they practiced law, seeking greater control over their careers and lives. Spencer West’s partner-led, flexible model resonated deeply with this mindset. By the end of 2021, the firm had grown to 40 colleagues, opening new offices in Scotland and establishing a strong regional hub in the South West of the UK.
Growth of Spencer West
In 2022, Spencer West expanded its international presence, growing to nearly 200 partners across 11 jurisdictions. The firm opened offices in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, establishing a foothold in key offshore markets and strengthening its cross-border legal services.
2023 was another transformative year. Spencer West grew to over 260 partners, attracting top talent across the UK and internationally. New offices were opened in Germany, and strategic partnerships were formed with firms in Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. The firm also expanded its UK footprint with new offices in Birmingham and the South East and acquired business units in the Private Wealth sector.
In 2024, Spencer West continued its rapid international expansion. The first quarter saw new offices launched in South Africa, Cyprus, Kenya, and the Bahamas, followed by further growth into Switzerland and Australia. By the close of the year, Spencer West will have offices in the United States and an associative relationship with an Indian firm, securing its place in two of the world’s largest legal markets.
A Global Vision
Today, Spencer West is a truly global law firm. With its headquarters in the City of London, the firm has a growing international legal practice with offices across the UK, Europe, and globally – including offices in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Cyprus, Switzerland, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. The firm is actively pursuing offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, extending its reach even further.
Since its inception, Spencer West has remained committed to building a global community of lawyers. We empower our professionals to work collaboratively and flexibly across borders, fostering a thriving network of diverse talent. Spencer West is more than a law firm – it is a global network united by shared values and an unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence.